I recently made a trip to Steamboat Springs Colorado. I love the mountains of Colorado, and I'm an avid skier. As avid as I can be while living in Missouri. I did live in Colorado while in seminary, and fully enjoyed the mountain air and winter fun! Occasionally, to get to and from the winter fun areas, you have to experience the decidedly un-fun. Driving around mountain passes when you can barely make out the road is a fun-sucker. The picture above is what I saw outside of my windshield while driving across Rabbit Ears pass, just south of Steamboat Springs. Note the "curvy road" sign. Oh boy! Felt very much like I was bob-sledding. Fortunately there were not many cars on the road (hmmn...I'm pretty sure that says something about me but I'd rather not analyze that).
This picture made me think of several aspects to windows that I have not explored as yet. In particular, the blessed ability of a window to shield you from the harsher side of the elements, while letting you still experience the beauty and awe they represent. I can't imagine what driving a vehicle in these conditions would be like if there were no windshield, just an open hole instead of a windshield. I don't think I would have made it through this pass though. If my face didn't freeze off in the first ten minutes, the constant barrage of wind and snow would almost certainly cause me to drive into a ditch, or worse, off a cliff. That windshield is thing of beauty, most appreciated! Windows in cars allow us to function successfully in harsh environments, enabling to get where we need to be when we need to be there. They are the shield that provides us the peace and clarity in a storm.
If you think about it the above might sound like some people you know - someone who serves as a shield for others, standing in between them and the harsher elements so they can experience the peace they need to live and fulfill their purpose. This would be a great description for a Christian disciple. It reminds me of this verse from Philippians 2:1-4
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Who has been like a shield in your life, protecting you from the brunt of pain, embarrassment, or sorrow? How could you show them your appreciation, or let them know you recognize the gift of peace they have given you? Is there someone you know that needs a shield in order to function, in order to find God's purpose in their life?
This year True View Windows is going to try to be a shield for a young man named Phil Trad. He is someone I met years ago as a teenager who was involved in the youth ministry I served. As a youth I knew Phil had a great love for Christ and a passion for service, which he proceeded to demonstrate this over next several years, attending just about every mission trip and retreat that the church put on. Phil proceeded to attend Barclay college where he completed a degree in youth ministry himself, and is now working for Youth for Christ in Kansas. Phil has dedicated his life to reaching the current generation of youth with the message of God's love expressed through the life of Christ. Believe me, this generation needs to hear this message! I am so thankful for Phil's dedication, and for his gifts which will be a great asset in reaching teenagers. Since Youth for Christ ministers are asked to raise their own support, True View Windows will be dedicating four of its monthly donations this year towards a fund supporting Phil so he can fully invest in his ministry. If any of you would like to join True View in this effort, check out Phil's video below. Also here is the link where you can donate to support Phil: http://yfcsck.org/phil. Blessings!
This picture made me think of several aspects to windows that I have not explored as yet. In particular, the blessed ability of a window to shield you from the harsher side of the elements, while letting you still experience the beauty and awe they represent. I can't imagine what driving a vehicle in these conditions would be like if there were no windshield, just an open hole instead of a windshield. I don't think I would have made it through this pass though. If my face didn't freeze off in the first ten minutes, the constant barrage of wind and snow would almost certainly cause me to drive into a ditch, or worse, off a cliff. That windshield is thing of beauty, most appreciated! Windows in cars allow us to function successfully in harsh environments, enabling to get where we need to be when we need to be there. They are the shield that provides us the peace and clarity in a storm.
If you think about it the above might sound like some people you know - someone who serves as a shield for others, standing in between them and the harsher elements so they can experience the peace they need to live and fulfill their purpose. This would be a great description for a Christian disciple. It reminds me of this verse from Philippians 2:1-4
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Who has been like a shield in your life, protecting you from the brunt of pain, embarrassment, or sorrow? How could you show them your appreciation, or let them know you recognize the gift of peace they have given you? Is there someone you know that needs a shield in order to function, in order to find God's purpose in their life?
This year True View Windows is going to try to be a shield for a young man named Phil Trad. He is someone I met years ago as a teenager who was involved in the youth ministry I served. As a youth I knew Phil had a great love for Christ and a passion for service, which he proceeded to demonstrate this over next several years, attending just about every mission trip and retreat that the church put on. Phil proceeded to attend Barclay college where he completed a degree in youth ministry himself, and is now working for Youth for Christ in Kansas. Phil has dedicated his life to reaching the current generation of youth with the message of God's love expressed through the life of Christ. Believe me, this generation needs to hear this message! I am so thankful for Phil's dedication, and for his gifts which will be a great asset in reaching teenagers. Since Youth for Christ ministers are asked to raise their own support, True View Windows will be dedicating four of its monthly donations this year towards a fund supporting Phil so he can fully invest in his ministry. If any of you would like to join True View in this effort, check out Phil's video below. Also here is the link where you can donate to support Phil: http://yfcsck.org/phil. Blessings!